Sunday, September 18 2022 20:58

ArmInfo.Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the delegation led by Speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress Nancy Pelosi in the Government.

In his welcome speech, Prime Minister Pashinyan particularly said,

"Madam Speaker, dear colleagues, let me warmly welcome you to our  country, our government. This is truly an unprecedented visit from  the USA to Armenia, and we appreciate it. I would like to express our  gratitude to you personally, Madam Speaker, for your personal efforts  and contribution to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the  United States, as well as for the efforts of your delegation.

It is really highly appreciated, and even considering only that fact,  all Armenians consider you a reliable friend of Armenia. But I want  to continue the words of appreciation, because I also want to express  gratitude for the US support for Armenian democracy, because it is  also very important for us.

We see the readiness of the US Government to support the democratic  agenda of our country. I would like to express our devotion to the  agenda of democratic reforms, despite the fact that, as you can see,  it is not an easy path.

One more fact that I would like to mention: We appreciate the clear  position of the USA regarding Azerbaijan's aggression against  Armenia. Of course, clear formulations of the US Government is  appreciated, because it is very important for us.

You are aware that the UN Security Council has discussed the current  situation, and we hope, and this is our position, that this situation  should remain on the agenda of the UN Security Council, and in this  regard, of course, we rely on US support.

Madam Speaker, let me once again welcome you and your delegation. I  am sure that today we will be able to conduct productive  negotiations. I am very happy for this opportunity."

In her turn, Nancy Pelosi said, "Thank you very much, Mr. Prime  Minister, for your warm words of welcome and appreciation of the  great work done by my colleagues in this delegation. Support for  democracy in Armenia, the Armenian Genocide recognition resolution,  countering Turkey in the Nagorno Karabakh issue, and in all other  issues we are Armenia's friend. We are here with respect for your  Government.

Past year you had elections which were recognized as free and fair,  and your wonderful victory in the light of the war and other  circumstances. And the thing is, normally when we come to a country,  it is to pay respect, to listen and to learn, but I can truly say  that this delegation from the United States to Armenia has brought  with it the love of the American people, respect for your Government  and love for the people of Armenia. Thank you for your hospitality."

Then the interlocutors discussed a wide range of issues related to  the Armenian-American partnership, the further development of  cooperation in different directions.

Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized that the Armenian Government will  continue consistent steps in the direction of strengthening democracy  and developing democratic institutions. The Head of the Executive  highly appreciated the US assistance in promoting the rich agenda of  the Armenian Government's reform agenda.

Nikol Pashinyan and Nancy Pelosi referred to the aggression of  Azerbaijan against the sovereign territory of Armenia and the need  for the withdrawal of Azerbaijani units from the territory of  Armenia. Issues related to the opportunities of unblocking transport  infrastructure in the region, the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh  conflict were discussed.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress  assured that the American side will continue to actively contribute  to the further expansion of bilateral multi-sectoral cooperation and  the programs aimed at the development of democracy in Armenia.